Ridiculous? Irresponsible? Come Work For City Hospital!
- Thread starter thestrangequark
- Start date
Aw, frack, tsq, I'm so sorry. Doctors are supposed to be professionals. They have no right to treat you like that. Go at 'em with both barrels. Make them understand. You are the patient, and they exist *to serve you*.
And the nurse was way out of line too. Prayer is fine, it has its place, but not at the expense of medical treatment. She should have shut up and done her job as well.
And the nurse was way out of line too. Prayer is fine, it has its place, but not at the expense of medical treatment. She should have shut up and done her job as well.
You've just got to convince someone that you're serious. Believe me, they can get you in earlier if you need it. Keep trying.
It's like the insurance companies. I went for a physical last year and charged it to my insurance. They sent me a very official-looking document telling me that none of the tests I had done were covered and that they would not be paying for any of it (about $250). I ignored them for a week and they paid it in full.
The medical system is like that too, you just have to keep your nerve and cut through the bullcrap.
It's like the insurance companies. I went for a physical last year and charged it to my insurance. They sent me a very official-looking document telling me that none of the tests I had done were covered and that they would not be paying for any of it (about $250). I ignored them for a week and they paid it in full.
The medical system is like that too, you just have to keep your nerve and cut through the bullcrap.
TSQ: sorry to hear about your problem. First, ignore some of the stupider responses you've received in this thread (e.g. Frontline, JAG, etc). Second, at least here in Australia, I would call other endocrinologists, see appointment availability, and ask if they take referrals for other doctors. Many do. But look -- it's not an emergency. And you're not going to go bald.
How is this city assistance program run? Is it managed by a regular insurance provider? There should be some kind of member service number that you can call for more info about your options. You may be able to find a better PCP or get a list of endocrinologists to call until you find one that will see you (they may even do it for you). Since you found out about this program when you were deathly ill in the hospital, you might also want to take advantage of whatever patient advocacy program they have there-- they may be interested to know that one of their patients can't get follow-up for her very serious medical condition for nearly a year.
^I think that will be the most reasonable course to follow. When I initially posted I was so frustrated that I couldn't even think about my (limited) options. I don't know much about the structure of the program, so I need to do some learnin'! Unfortunately there are other shortcomings that I've only just learned about. Mainly, my prescriptions will be $2 a piece, but they don't cover glucometer test strips. These cost about $2 a strip and I need to use a minimum of 4-8 strips daily. They cover insulin in vials, but not in pens, a device about the size and shape of a magic marker (though a little longer and thinner) that lets you simply remove the cap, dial your dosage, inject, and pop the cap back on. As some one who has used both I have to say that the switch to insulin pens from syringes and vials was life changing. I can carry my insulin anywhere and easily, I don't have to worry about breaking a vial, I can take my shots under the table at restaurants instead of running to the restroom. I loathe the thought of having to go back to vials and syringes.
One can buy test strips over the counter -- you don't need a prescription. However, if one is insured and a doctor prescribes test scripts, most insurance plans will cover them. Strips are super expensive, about $50 for a box of 25. Best to have insurance cover at least part of it.Why are glucose test strips and lancets prescription?!?!?!They are not a controlled substance. Purely for the money. That's why I only test when I feel 'off.'
These past months without insurance I had been testing only when I felt off too. Clearly, it was a very bad idea.
all right some of this is going to sound crazy and some reasonable.,,,
so if the endocrinology clinic the only one on your list?
if so dont fool with calling the front desk but try to get ahold of a nurse in it.
be direct about how bad your health is and offer to carry over your chart.
tell them you are willing to be worked in if they have cancelations.
i have to do that to see some of my specialists before they acutually have an open time on the books.
and if you have good relations with another doctor at the same hospital like the ophthalmologist see if he would be willing to put in good word with the endocrinologist.
years ago this actually helped my dad out in dealing with veteran hospital system.
see if there is a patient advcoate at the clinic/hospital.
be very direct about what happened in that visit.
they need to know that nurse may be setting them up for getting someone hurt and the hospital sued .
see if they can help getting you into the clinic..
point out the cost of your care will be cheaper in the long run. if you can get in to see people now instead of waiting until you are more seriously ill.
but it being city hospital dosnt have anything to do with it.
the quality of care in the states is getting at times screwy on every level.
my mother went to one of the best hospitals in the city but we didnt know they contracted out for emergency room doctors on the weekend.
the one she got was an idiot, lacking in empathy bastard.
oh on your insulin and materials.
write to the drug company directly.
explain your situation.
some offer discounts .
also see if your doctor can give you samples.
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